Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson shared insight into his struggles in his rookie campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Green Bay Packers pulled off a trade to acquire running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Johnson could play a pivotal role in the Packers' run game after Josh Jacobs landed on the Commissioner's Exempt List.
Jacobs has been the star running back for Green Bay, rushing for 2,258 yards and 28 touchdowns, along with 72 receptions for 624 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons.
With him off the field, the Packers will lean on MarShawn Lloyd and Johnson in the run game. Lloyd has shown potential but has struggled to stay on the field, appearing in just one game across his first two seasons.
Johnson will also play a pivotal role despite struggling in his rookie campaign with Green Bay. In his rookie campaign, he rushed for 69 yards on 28 carries with one reception for nine yards.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect"At first, it was my mental errors that killed it for me, the kick-off killed me... I give all the respect to the Steelers for giving me a chance but now its Go, Pack, Go," Johnson said.
Johnson showed elite potential during the 2024 season at Iowa, as he rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns while catching 22 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. He was named an All-American and was one of the best running backs in the nation.
In a new system with the Packers, Johnson could have a bounce-back year and play a major role in the offense.
While Johnson and Lloyd will be important in the run game, Green Bay will be leaning heavily on the passing attack to lead the offense.
Quarterback Jordan Love proved he is an efficient passer in 2025, completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has a talented array of weapons heading into the 2026 season with Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, and Tucker Kraft, giving him a chance to have an MVP-caliber campaign.
The Packers have built a strong roster, but with Jacobs' status, Green Bay will need Johnson and Lloyd to step up as they look to compete for a Super Bowl.
